Heading out with a “get prettier” mindset by us HAIR & MAKE-UP Haircut + Shampoo Travelogue
Jufy
3 days ago
Come to think of it, this anticipation was really “raised” by the internet. When I’m scrolling on my phone, I always come across posts about Korean-style haircuts and shampoo services. Some people look like their whole vibe changes after a cut, and others make getting their hair washed look like a relaxing spa treatment. The more you see, the more one thought pops up, since I’m already in Korea, why not try it for myself?
So when I headed out that day, my mood felt totally different from a typical sightseeing day. It wasn’t the tense feeling of rushing through an itinerary, it was a light, excited kind of anticipation, like I was going on a “glow-up” date. I booked a one-hour “cut + wash” at by us HAIR & MAKE-UP.
Once I got into that area, everything immediately looked very everyday. On both sides were real estate offices with red signs, plus a 24-hour unmanned ice cream shop. In front of me were wide gray stone steps, one level after another, and in the middle of the road a line of big black spheres, like some kind of installation art. I stopped to take a photo because this place didn’t feel like somewhere tourists would wander around, it felt more like a local neighborhood shopping area where people run errands and pick things up after work.
As I walked, I kept picturing myself sitting in the chair in a bit, and my heart was beating a little faster than usual.
Continuing forward, at the corner of the building I looked up and saw the by us sign in black letters on a white background. Under it, a line read HAIR, MAKE-UP, WEDDING, HEADSPA. I guessed that besides haircuts, they also do bridal hair and makeup and scalp care. When you’re trying to find a shop in an unfamiliar place, the moment you finally spot the sign is the most reassuring, I breathed a sigh of relief too. I pushed the door open
Right after entering, I first saw an entire wall of white lockers, each compartment fitted with an electronic keypad lock. Next to them were two pots of green plants, and a metal plaque printed with “by us.” Coming in from the street, this entrance was much quieter than I expected. I’m guessing these lockers are for customers to store their bags and coats. [Please confirm whether you used them, and how you used them]
Walking further in, there was a black-and-white BAUHAUS poster leaning against the wall, and next to it a round mirror with a white frame. The chairs all had clear protective covers. The whole salon was done in light tones, white and beige, with no extra decoration. Looking at this space, I thought, so this is the “Korean aesthetic” you see online, clean, simple, and polished. After I sat down
and they draped a black cape over me, the me in the mirror looked both nervous and a little excited. After all, I was handing my hair over to a designer I’d never met, it’s hard not to wonder, will it turn out the way I’m imagining?
The moment the scissors started, strands of hair fell to the floor one after another. Looking down at the bits of hair on the ground, I finally felt it for real, I’m getting my hair cut in Korea. All those scenes I’d watched in other people’s posts online, now it was my turn to experience it.
After the cut came the wash, another part I was really looking forward to.
When I walked out, my mood was totally different from before I went in. Going in, I was excited, coming out, I felt more grounded, like I was stepping back onto the street with a little bit of that “glow-up” feeling. Thinking back, these everyday, local moments actually stick with me longer than taking tons of sightseeing photos. You walk into a regular commercial area, make a reservation like locals do, check in, sit down, and spend an hour putting yourself in a designer’s hands, it’s a really special kind of travel experience.
For you, if you’re also thinking about getting a haircut in Korea
1. Double-check what you booked, confirm what services and how much time are included, you’ll feel less flustered on-site.
2. Bring a reference photo, save the style you want on your phone and show it directly to the designer, it’s the most effective way to communicate.
3. Leave some buffer time, don’t schedule a haircut between two tight plans, even if it says one hour, it might take longer.
4. Check the route in advance, the salon is inside a commercial building, so confirming the exit and where the sign is can save a lot of time.
5. Keep an eye on your belongings, once you’re inside, see if there’s storage space, and keep valuables with you.
If you’re like me and you’re always seeing posts about Korean-style cuts and shampoo services and feeling tempted, I’d say, travel is the best reason. Head out with that excitement, read your booking details carefully, prepare a reference photo, and leave the rest to the designer, enjoy this little hour that’s just for you.
